Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Burning Empires: Boldaq
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="LostSoul" data-source="post: 4070448" data-attributes="member: 386"><p><em>Here is the second manuever from last Thursday's game.</em></p><p></p><p><strong>INT. SPACE STATION - RECOVERY ROOM</strong></p><p>Kofer Pyatt, Interstitial.</p><p></p><p>The hulled Vaylen doctor with the naiven worm squirming in his hand walks next to Kofer Pyatt's bed. He opens his patient's eyelid to insert the naiven - </p><p></p><p>- and Kofer Pyatt's Bright Mark explodes in red flame. The Vaylen doctor stumbles back.</p><p></p><p>"I have never broken a worm's mind," Kofer Pyatt thinks, rising from his bed. "Yours will be the first."</p><p></p><p>"I was merely fulfilling my part of the bargain! Now that we are off Boldaq, that prison, we owe you our secrets."</p><p></p><p>"And you thought to tell me them by hulling me?" His Bright Mark pulses with energy.</p><p></p><p>"It seemed like a good idea at the time..." the worm says, doubling over in pain.</p><p></p><p>"I will rip your secrets from your mind." The Bright Mark burns, bathing the room in its red light. The Vaylen's eyes roll back and he collapses to the floor.</p><p></p><p>The Bright Mark dims. Kofer Pyatt's eyes open wide and his jaw drops open.</p><p></p><p>"By the prophet...!"</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. BOLDAQ - BADLANDS</strong></p><p>Kadaath, Interstitial.</p><p></p><p>Kadaath is leaning against the grey ceramic hull of his new gift - a hammer assault shuttle, ransom for the safe return of Lord Tovol. He lights up a cigar filled with gul janat and inhales deeply.</p><p></p><p>The shuttle's comm panel lights up. He answers it.</p><p></p><p>"Tovol."</p><p></p><p>"Kadaath. We're ready to hit Fat Chaz. I'm going to send the co-ordinates for our rendezvous point."</p><p></p><p>"So - why do we want to take out Fat Chaz?"</p><p></p><p>"Not this again. Because he killed my son. And then you'll be the pirate king. Good enough?"</p><p></p><p>"Alright. I've got the co-ordinates. I'll meet you there."</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID FIELD</strong></p><p>Fat Chaz, Interstitial.</p><p></p><p>We open on an asteroid field deep in space. Asteroids of all sizes orbit the distant sun, visible in the background through a filter of dust, causing a rainbow-like effect in a "flux field". Our eyes are drawn to a large, central asteroid - more of a planetoid - brimming with heavy weapons. The space surrounding the hidden pirate base is empty, like the calm at the eye of a hurricane.</p><p></p><p>We see Lord Tovol's Interdiction Fleet - three Hammer Patrol Cruisers and Kaddath's shuttle - enter the scene. There is a faint sparkle of reflected light in the distance, and we zoom in on it - Fat Chaz's flagship, moving out of the flux field.</p><p></p><p><strong>INT. LORD TOVOL'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>Lord Tovol sits in his command throne. His eyes are hard as steel, like always; but this time, there's an empty space at the XO's console.</p><p></p><p>Fat Chaz's hologram appears. Tovol spins round in his throne to address his rival.</p><p></p><p>"Fat Chaz."</p><p></p><p>"Tovol. I think this will be the last time we meet."</p><p></p><p>"I'll kill you, you bastard."</p><p></p><p>"You can try."</p><p></p><p>The hologram switches off. Alarm klaxons ring out on board Tovol's ship.</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID FIELD</strong></p><p>Lord Tovol, Conflict.</p><p></p><p>Missiles erupt from the asteroid base, streaking towards Tovol's fleet. Another salvo leaps out from Fat Chaz's flagship.</p><p></p><p><strong>INT. LORD TOVOL'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>"Get a lock on that base - we need a firing solution!" Lord Tovol commands.</p><p></p><p>"Sir - missiles have good lock on us - contact in ten...nine...eight..."</p><p></p><p>"All ships - evasive maneuvers!" Tovol stands as he yells out the order.</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. SPACE - AMID LORD TOVOL'S FLEET</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>We follow the deadly missiles as the streak forwad. Zoom in on Tovol's flagship: point-defense missile ports open and launch a salvo. The SCrEMs fly out from their ports and explode amid Fat Chaz's barrage.</p><p></p><p>Focus on the explosions. The fireball dies down - and a pair of missiles makes it through the cover, winding and twisting towards the hammer cruiser on Tovol's right.</p><p></p><p>Impact! A nuclear blast RIPS apart its hull, shredding armour and components. The ship limps forward, trailing ions and fuel.</p><p></p><p><strong>INT. LORD TOVOL'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>The alarms have gone silent. The bridge is bathed in a red light. Men are strewn about the floor, but they pick themsevles up and get back in their seats.</p><p></p><p>Tovol: "Report."</p><p></p><p>"The Corona took a direct hit - she's damaged, badly. Out of the fight. Getting crew loss report now."</p><p></p><p>"No time for that. We'll come back for her later."</p><p></p><p>"Sir! We're getting pinged! They've got a lock on us!"</p><p></p><p>"Launch missiles!"</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID FIELD</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>Another salvo of missiles blasts forth from Fat Chaz's assets. Seconds later, Lord Tovol's ships respond in kind.</p><p></p><p>The missiles meet and explode - but Fat Chaz has the upper hand, and more break through. Tovol's ships break ranks and avoid direct impact, but his escort is slightly damaged.</p><p></p><p><strong>INT. LORD TOVOL'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>Lord Tovol stares at the asteroid base. "That's it - I've had enough of this. Bring us right down on him. Flank speed!"</p><p></p><p>Tovol's ships race through space to the asteroid. Fat Chaz's cruiser tries to match Tovol, but loses him on the far side of the asteroid.</p><p></p><p>"Another barrage, sir..."</p><p></p><p>"Brace for impact!"</p><p></p><p>Through the viewscreen, we see missiles launch from the asteroid. Tovol's escort leaps in front and fires point-defense missiles at point-blank range. A huge blast fills the screen. Tovol's ship is rocked.</p><p></p><p>"Damage report!"</p><p></p><p>"The Corona has suffered heavy damage, but her captain reports she's still with us, sir! Our hull has withstood the impact."</p><p></p><p>"Target the asteroid with our SCrEMs - blast a hole in its hull. Kadaath, you hear me?"</p><p></p><p>Kadaath's voice, crackling over the radio: "Yup."</p><p></p><p>"That'll be where you get in. Good luck."</p><p></p><p>Lord Tovol gets up from his chair and leaves the bridge. "Once you blow a hole in the hull, get out of here - only come back if I contact you."</p><p></p><p>"Sir-"</p><p></p><p>Tovol leaves the bridge.</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID BASE</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>Tovol's flagship skims the surface of the asteroid base. Sub-critical energy missiles launch and blow a hole in the side of the asteroid. Kadaath's shuttle races in.</p><p></p><p>As Tovol's ships turn away, an escape pod launches and flies into the breach on the asteroid.</p><p></p><p><strong>INT. ASTEROID BASE - BREACH</strong></p><p>Kadaath, Building.</p><p></p><p>Kadaath exits his shuttle with his hand-picked squad of assassins. He watches as an escape pod skids to a stop. Its hatch opens, and Lord Tovol, dressed in anvil, steps out.</p><p></p><p>"Let's go."</p><p></p><p>The assault team moves through the asteroid base, catching the pirates off-guard. Pirates fall to the elite team as they move to the command centre. Men stay behind to hold off regrouping pirates, and only Kadaath and Tovol reach the bridge.</p><p></p><p>Fat Chaz and Draz Tolo are waiting for them. There's no time for words. Lord Tovol and Fat Chaz leap at each other. There can be only one end to this - one or both of them dies.</p><p></p><p>Draz Tolo aims at Kadaath. For the first time in his career, he's too slow. A beam of coherent energy from Kadaath's CEBW hits him in the eye and he slumps to the ground, smoke trailing from the crater in his head.</p><p></p><p>Lord Tovol and Fat Chaz duel viciously. Kadaath takes aim at the pirate lord, and Fat Chaz sees the CEBW pointed at him out of the corner of his eye. Panic runs through him and he drops his guard.</p><p></p><p>Tovol slices his head clean off.</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. BOLDAQ - AHMEK ZAI MOUNTAIN VILLAGE</strong></p><p>Pali, Building.</p><p></p><p>Cut away from space and to the beautifully harsh mountains of Boldaq. The sun is setting in the distance, and the red sky turns to the colour of rust. Grey mountains and the small village the Vaylen Vaarda escaped from lie covered in shadow.</p><p></p><p>The Pali walks along the path to the village. He meets no resistance from the village's ghazi.</p><p></p><p>An elderly man bows at the Pali's feet as he enters the village. "Prophet. Why have you blessed us with your presence?"</p><p></p><p>"Where is the marsh hetman called Vaarda?"</p><p></p><p>"Forgive us, Pali! We gave him the ultimate punishment."</p><p></p><p>"That is?"</p><p></p><p>"The living death of the worm. But the worm made him strong, and he escaped!"</p><p></p><p>"The Vaylen - here, on Boldaq," the Pali thinks. "I need to speak with one of them." He addresses the elderly man: "Tell me, what do the legends say of the worm? Where do they live, where can they be found?"</p><p></p><p>"They say - there is a deep gorge, so deep the sun does not touch its floor. The Crevasse at World's End. This is where the devil worm lives - but beware, prophet! None who enter come back the same!"</p><p></p><p>"I walk the Lar-ti Largi, the path of fire. Where I go, the worm dies."</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. BOLDAQ - THE CREVASSE AT WORLD'S END</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>The Pali pulls his cloak tight around him. Behind him loom the mountains that house the Ahmek Zai, the Podalah Palace, and beyond that, the cities of the marshes and Ahoydia. Before him - World's End. A twisted and broken pan of charcol-grey rock spreading out to the horizon. </p><p></p><p>The Pali looks down at a great tear in the earth, a black scar with no end in sight. He descends on the last leg of his journey towards it, leaving his Ahmek Zai ghazi guides with their pack beasts. He finds a small path, a narrow ledge on the side of the crevasse, and drops out of sight.</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. BOLDAQ - INSIDE THE CREVASSE</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>The Pali climbs down carefully. Rocks tumble off the side of the cliff, echoing on their way down until no sounds can be heard. The Pali looks over the edge - he can not see its bottom. He looks up - only a thin sliver of red sky remains.</p><p></p><p>The Pali's Bright Mark flares and suddenly he is surrounded by a nimbus of blue light. He feels the press of centuries - the dead here, on this site. Something catches his eye - a glint of metal. Still new. He picks it up. It is a tool not meant for human hands.</p><p></p><p>As he passes, a red eye on a tentacular stalk blinks in silent sentry at his passage. A radio signal generated by the genetically-engineered watch eye passes word to the Vaylen in their hidden lair: "Psychologist approaches."</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. BOLDAQ - THE CREVASSE AT WORLD'S END</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>The Pali crests the lip and waves to the Ahmek Zai camping a mile away.</p><p></p><p>At the camp, they question him, rifles in hand. "What did you find, Prophet?"</p><p></p><p>"The Vaylen are here."</p><p></p><p><strong>EXT. AHMEK ZAI VILLAGE</strong></p><p>Same.</p><p></p><p>The Pali rides into the village square on his I-as Patun. He dismounts, handing his dust-covered cloak to the village elder. Without saying a word, he walks into the cave where Vaarda was held.</p><p></p><p>He places a note: "Vaylen Encoder. I want to speak with you."</p><p></p><p><em><Interstial here - something about blue smoke outside the temple?></em></p><p></p><p><strong>INT. ASTEROID BASE - THRONE ROOM</strong></p><p>Kadaath, Colour.</p><p></p><p>Kadaath is sitting on Fat Chaz's throne, smoking the essence of gul janat. At his belt he wears the mummified heads of Fat Chaz and Draz Tolo.</p><p></p><p>"Boldaq will be mine!" he yells.</p><p></p><p><strong>INT. SPACE STATION - RECOVERY ROOM</strong></p><p>Kofer Pyatt, Colour.</p><p></p><p>Kofer Pyatt, wrapped in bandages, stares out the window at Boldaq below.</p><p></p><p>"All this time, and the Pali has not sent word to me. His Herald, his student.</p><p></p><p>"He has betrayed me. He had no intention to train me in his ways - his own man struck me down! He only wanted to lull me into complacency, to weaken me. I <em>was</em> weak to believe him, to be pulled in to his cult.</p><p></p><p>"Never again. The Pali will die. Bortei will die. And Kaeli, she will die."</p><p></p><p><strong>MANEUVER:</strong> Vaylen Take Action vs. Human Take Action.</p><p>With the demise of Fat Chaz, Lord Tovol's hammer fleet is unchallenged in space. His fleet sets up patrol around the planet. All on Boldaq is under his watchful eye.</p><p></p><p>On Ahoydia, Kofer Pyatt makes his triumphant return. His first address to his Anvil legions:</p><p></p><p>"Edrene has betrayed Boldaq. The "child's army" of his plagues our streets. He allies with monsters like Kadaath. He has turned against Forged Lord Tovol. And his own man tried to kill me.</p><p></p><p>"The Pali is a wicked creature, an agent of the worm come to despoil Boldaq! We, her true sons, will defeat him as we did the worm!"</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="LostSoul, post: 4070448, member: 386"] [i]Here is the second manuever from last Thursday's game.[/i] [b]INT. SPACE STATION - RECOVERY ROOM[/b] Kofer Pyatt, Interstitial. The hulled Vaylen doctor with the naiven worm squirming in his hand walks next to Kofer Pyatt's bed. He opens his patient's eyelid to insert the naiven - - and Kofer Pyatt's Bright Mark explodes in red flame. The Vaylen doctor stumbles back. "I have never broken a worm's mind," Kofer Pyatt thinks, rising from his bed. "Yours will be the first." "I was merely fulfilling my part of the bargain! Now that we are off Boldaq, that prison, we owe you our secrets." "And you thought to tell me them by hulling me?" His Bright Mark pulses with energy. "It seemed like a good idea at the time..." the worm says, doubling over in pain. "I will rip your secrets from your mind." The Bright Mark burns, bathing the room in its red light. The Vaylen's eyes roll back and he collapses to the floor. The Bright Mark dims. Kofer Pyatt's eyes open wide and his jaw drops open. "By the prophet...!" [b]EXT. BOLDAQ - BADLANDS[/b] Kadaath, Interstitial. Kadaath is leaning against the grey ceramic hull of his new gift - a hammer assault shuttle, ransom for the safe return of Lord Tovol. He lights up a cigar filled with gul janat and inhales deeply. The shuttle's comm panel lights up. He answers it. "Tovol." "Kadaath. We're ready to hit Fat Chaz. I'm going to send the co-ordinates for our rendezvous point." "So - why do we want to take out Fat Chaz?" "Not this again. Because he killed my son. And then you'll be the pirate king. Good enough?" "Alright. I've got the co-ordinates. I'll meet you there." [b]EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID FIELD[/b] Fat Chaz, Interstitial. We open on an asteroid field deep in space. Asteroids of all sizes orbit the distant sun, visible in the background through a filter of dust, causing a rainbow-like effect in a "flux field". Our eyes are drawn to a large, central asteroid - more of a planetoid - brimming with heavy weapons. The space surrounding the hidden pirate base is empty, like the calm at the eye of a hurricane. We see Lord Tovol's Interdiction Fleet - three Hammer Patrol Cruisers and Kaddath's shuttle - enter the scene. There is a faint sparkle of reflected light in the distance, and we zoom in on it - Fat Chaz's flagship, moving out of the flux field. [b]INT. LORD TOVOL'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE[/b] Same. Lord Tovol sits in his command throne. His eyes are hard as steel, like always; but this time, there's an empty space at the XO's console. Fat Chaz's hologram appears. Tovol spins round in his throne to address his rival. "Fat Chaz." "Tovol. I think this will be the last time we meet." "I'll kill you, you bastard." "You can try." The hologram switches off. Alarm klaxons ring out on board Tovol's ship. [b]EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID FIELD[/b] Lord Tovol, Conflict. Missiles erupt from the asteroid base, streaking towards Tovol's fleet. Another salvo leaps out from Fat Chaz's flagship. [b]INT. LORD TOVOL'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE[/b] Same. "Get a lock on that base - we need a firing solution!" Lord Tovol commands. "Sir - missiles have good lock on us - contact in ten...nine...eight..." "All ships - evasive maneuvers!" Tovol stands as he yells out the order. [b]EXT. SPACE - AMID LORD TOVOL'S FLEET[/b] Same. We follow the deadly missiles as the streak forwad. Zoom in on Tovol's flagship: point-defense missile ports open and launch a salvo. The SCrEMs fly out from their ports and explode amid Fat Chaz's barrage. Focus on the explosions. The fireball dies down - and a pair of missiles makes it through the cover, winding and twisting towards the hammer cruiser on Tovol's right. Impact! A nuclear blast RIPS apart its hull, shredding armour and components. The ship limps forward, trailing ions and fuel. [b]INT. LORD TOVOL'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE[/b] Same. The alarms have gone silent. The bridge is bathed in a red light. Men are strewn about the floor, but they pick themsevles up and get back in their seats. Tovol: "Report." "The Corona took a direct hit - she's damaged, badly. Out of the fight. Getting crew loss report now." "No time for that. We'll come back for her later." "Sir! We're getting pinged! They've got a lock on us!" "Launch missiles!" [b]EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID FIELD[/b] Same. Another salvo of missiles blasts forth from Fat Chaz's assets. Seconds later, Lord Tovol's ships respond in kind. The missiles meet and explode - but Fat Chaz has the upper hand, and more break through. Tovol's ships break ranks and avoid direct impact, but his escort is slightly damaged. [b]INT. LORD TOVOL'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE[/b] Same. Lord Tovol stares at the asteroid base. "That's it - I've had enough of this. Bring us right down on him. Flank speed!" Tovol's ships race through space to the asteroid. Fat Chaz's cruiser tries to match Tovol, but loses him on the far side of the asteroid. "Another barrage, sir..." "Brace for impact!" Through the viewscreen, we see missiles launch from the asteroid. Tovol's escort leaps in front and fires point-defense missiles at point-blank range. A huge blast fills the screen. Tovol's ship is rocked. "Damage report!" "The Corona has suffered heavy damage, but her captain reports she's still with us, sir! Our hull has withstood the impact." "Target the asteroid with our SCrEMs - blast a hole in its hull. Kadaath, you hear me?" Kadaath's voice, crackling over the radio: "Yup." "That'll be where you get in. Good luck." Lord Tovol gets up from his chair and leaves the bridge. "Once you blow a hole in the hull, get out of here - only come back if I contact you." "Sir-" Tovol leaves the bridge. [b]EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID BASE[/b] Same. Tovol's flagship skims the surface of the asteroid base. Sub-critical energy missiles launch and blow a hole in the side of the asteroid. Kadaath's shuttle races in. As Tovol's ships turn away, an escape pod launches and flies into the breach on the asteroid. [b]INT. ASTEROID BASE - BREACH[/b] Kadaath, Building. Kadaath exits his shuttle with his hand-picked squad of assassins. He watches as an escape pod skids to a stop. Its hatch opens, and Lord Tovol, dressed in anvil, steps out. "Let's go." The assault team moves through the asteroid base, catching the pirates off-guard. Pirates fall to the elite team as they move to the command centre. Men stay behind to hold off regrouping pirates, and only Kadaath and Tovol reach the bridge. Fat Chaz and Draz Tolo are waiting for them. There's no time for words. Lord Tovol and Fat Chaz leap at each other. There can be only one end to this - one or both of them dies. Draz Tolo aims at Kadaath. For the first time in his career, he's too slow. A beam of coherent energy from Kadaath's CEBW hits him in the eye and he slumps to the ground, smoke trailing from the crater in his head. Lord Tovol and Fat Chaz duel viciously. Kadaath takes aim at the pirate lord, and Fat Chaz sees the CEBW pointed at him out of the corner of his eye. Panic runs through him and he drops his guard. Tovol slices his head clean off. [b]EXT. BOLDAQ - AHMEK ZAI MOUNTAIN VILLAGE[/b] Pali, Building. Cut away from space and to the beautifully harsh mountains of Boldaq. The sun is setting in the distance, and the red sky turns to the colour of rust. Grey mountains and the small village the Vaylen Vaarda escaped from lie covered in shadow. The Pali walks along the path to the village. He meets no resistance from the village's ghazi. An elderly man bows at the Pali's feet as he enters the village. "Prophet. Why have you blessed us with your presence?" "Where is the marsh hetman called Vaarda?" "Forgive us, Pali! We gave him the ultimate punishment." "That is?" "The living death of the worm. But the worm made him strong, and he escaped!" "The Vaylen - here, on Boldaq," the Pali thinks. "I need to speak with one of them." He addresses the elderly man: "Tell me, what do the legends say of the worm? Where do they live, where can they be found?" "They say - there is a deep gorge, so deep the sun does not touch its floor. The Crevasse at World's End. This is where the devil worm lives - but beware, prophet! None who enter come back the same!" "I walk the Lar-ti Largi, the path of fire. Where I go, the worm dies." [b]EXT. BOLDAQ - THE CREVASSE AT WORLD'S END[/b] Same. The Pali pulls his cloak tight around him. Behind him loom the mountains that house the Ahmek Zai, the Podalah Palace, and beyond that, the cities of the marshes and Ahoydia. Before him - World's End. A twisted and broken pan of charcol-grey rock spreading out to the horizon. The Pali looks down at a great tear in the earth, a black scar with no end in sight. He descends on the last leg of his journey towards it, leaving his Ahmek Zai ghazi guides with their pack beasts. He finds a small path, a narrow ledge on the side of the crevasse, and drops out of sight. [b]EXT. BOLDAQ - INSIDE THE CREVASSE[/b] Same. The Pali climbs down carefully. Rocks tumble off the side of the cliff, echoing on their way down until no sounds can be heard. The Pali looks over the edge - he can not see its bottom. He looks up - only a thin sliver of red sky remains. The Pali's Bright Mark flares and suddenly he is surrounded by a nimbus of blue light. He feels the press of centuries - the dead here, on this site. Something catches his eye - a glint of metal. Still new. He picks it up. It is a tool not meant for human hands. As he passes, a red eye on a tentacular stalk blinks in silent sentry at his passage. A radio signal generated by the genetically-engineered watch eye passes word to the Vaylen in their hidden lair: "Psychologist approaches." [b]EXT. BOLDAQ - THE CREVASSE AT WORLD'S END[/b] Same. The Pali crests the lip and waves to the Ahmek Zai camping a mile away. At the camp, they question him, rifles in hand. "What did you find, Prophet?" "The Vaylen are here." [b]EXT. AHMEK ZAI VILLAGE[/b] Same. The Pali rides into the village square on his I-as Patun. He dismounts, handing his dust-covered cloak to the village elder. Without saying a word, he walks into the cave where Vaarda was held. He places a note: "Vaylen Encoder. I want to speak with you." [i]<Interstial here - something about blue smoke outside the temple?>[/i] [b]INT. ASTEROID BASE - THRONE ROOM[/b] Kadaath, Colour. Kadaath is sitting on Fat Chaz's throne, smoking the essence of gul janat. At his belt he wears the mummified heads of Fat Chaz and Draz Tolo. "Boldaq will be mine!" he yells. [b]INT. SPACE STATION - RECOVERY ROOM[/b] Kofer Pyatt, Colour. Kofer Pyatt, wrapped in bandages, stares out the window at Boldaq below. "All this time, and the Pali has not sent word to me. His Herald, his student. "He has betrayed me. He had no intention to train me in his ways - his own man struck me down! He only wanted to lull me into complacency, to weaken me. I [i]was[/i] weak to believe him, to be pulled in to his cult. "Never again. The Pali will die. Bortei will die. And Kaeli, she will die." [b]MANEUVER:[/b] Vaylen Take Action vs. Human Take Action. With the demise of Fat Chaz, Lord Tovol's hammer fleet is unchallenged in space. His fleet sets up patrol around the planet. All on Boldaq is under his watchful eye. On Ahoydia, Kofer Pyatt makes his triumphant return. His first address to his Anvil legions: "Edrene has betrayed Boldaq. The "child's army" of his plagues our streets. He allies with monsters like Kadaath. He has turned against Forged Lord Tovol. And his own man tried to kill me. "The Pali is a wicked creature, an agent of the worm come to despoil Boldaq! We, her true sons, will defeat him as we did the worm!" [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Burning Empires: Boldaq
Top